Debt Dumpers - 2016

[bcwife76]

That time I received legal documents from the lawyer handling my deceased fathers' estate and he put the last three digits of my postal code down as 5&9 instead of 5Z9.

Not only was the postal code printed like this on the mailing label, but it was listed like this ON the LEGAL document I was sent!

*smackshead* Yep, standing by my earlier statement, they found this guy out of cracker jack box. #lawyerfail #29therrorI'vefound #isthisestatesettledyet?

 

[dayvewc]

So sorry for all of the stress you are having to go through with this. Hope you get resolution in your favor very soon!

Thanks. I hope so too!!

I called and talked to the consumer hotline with the Arkansas Attorney general today. The lady there recommended, based on the brief overview I gave, that I file a report with them online. So, I did.

I also did some basic research into the legal codes in Arkansas and Missouri (my state of residence, and the state I purchased in) to see if I could find any actual law. Arkansas actually has a couple of laws that support me, if I read the codes correctly. Primarily, that the sales presentation cannot offer something that is not supported in the contract, and that absolutely happened (the assurance was the reason I decided to buy). Also, it mentioned something about having to receive a specific document before the contract, and before the time limit for the rescission period begins. Since I never got the contract, I don't know if the other document was included with it, but by my understanding of Arkansas law, they can't hold me to the time frame on the rescission until I get it.

I also found a law firm that specializes in timeshare conflicts, and spoke briefly with one of them this afternoon. I'm supposed to call and talk to them longer tomorrow (Thursday), as it was the end of the day and the senior partner was needing to leave. (Something about a son and a soccer game. Sounded legit.) But from the very little we talked, he did say that he wanted to hear my full side, and that they have handled a lot of problems with this particular company.

My sister also recommended a lawyer that I should talk to. Tried to call them, but they were already out of the office for the day. I trust my sisters lawyer a lot more than the one I found online, but I want to talk to both - especially if this one actually handles this type of issue on a regular basis.

Not completely sure what path forward I have, but I'm feeling a little better about it right now.

I got to thinking about it while I was writing this, and at this point, I have filed a complaint with the BBB, the AG in 2 states, contacted (or attempted to and plan to follow through) 2 different law firms, and am in conversations with 3 different departments and 4 different people at the company about these problems. I don't think I've ever been this proactive about anything before. They should know better than to liquid waste eliminate on a person who likes to vacation!! We don't have money to spare!! (Especially if we're going to Disney)

 

[MrsTurnerLovesDisney]

What time share company is this....with you saying MO makes me wonder if it's BlueGreen which we have considered wanting to buy into down the road...but I don't like headaches or hassles at all.

 

[OhMari]

Thanks. I hope so too!!

I called and talked to the consumer hotline with the Arkansas Attorney general today. The lady there recommended, based on the brief overview I gave, that I file a report with them online. So, I did.

I also did some basic research into the legal codes in Arkansas and Missouri (my state of residence, and the state I purchased in) to see if I could find any actual law. Arkansas actually has a couple of laws that support me, if I read the codes correctly. Primarily, that the sales presentation cannot offer something that is not supported in the contract, and that absolutely happened (the assurance was the reason I decided to buy). Also, it mentioned something about having to receive a specific document before the contract, and before the time limit for the rescission period begins. Since I never got the contract, I don't know if the other document was included with it, but by my understanding of Arkansas law, they can't hold me to the time frame on the rescission until I get it.

I also found a law firm that specializes in timeshare conflicts, and spoke briefly with one of them this afternoon. I'm supposed to call and talk to them longer tomorrow (Thursday), as it was the end of the day and the senior partner was needing to leave. (Something about a son and a soccer game. Sounded legit.) But from the very little we talked, he did say that he wanted to hear my full side, and that they have handled a lot of problems with this particular company.

My sister also recommended a lawyer that I should talk to. Tried to call them, but they were already out of the office for the day. I trust my sisters lawyer a lot more than the one I found online, but I want to talk to both - especially if this one actually handles this type of issue on a regular basis.

Not completely sure what path forward I have, but I'm feeling a little better about it right now.

I got to thinking about it while I was writing this, and at this point, I have filed a complaint with the BBB, the AG in 2 states, contacted (or attempted to and plan to follow through) 2 different law firms, and am in conversations with 3 different departments and 4 different people at the company about these problems. I don't think I've ever been this proactive about anything before. They should know better than to liquid waste eliminate on a person who likes to vacation!! We don't have money to spare!! (Especially if we're going to Disney)

Be careful talking with the Lawyer. Be very specific asking him, if there are phone charges, while you discuss your case with him. If he takes it on, some lawyers, will show phone conversation charge. Just another thing to add onto your stress.

 

[dayvewc]

Be careful talking with the Lawyer. Be very specific asking him, if there are phone charges, while you discuss your case with him. If he takes it on, some lawyers, will show phone conversation charge. Just another thing to add onto your stress.

Good point. I talked to the senior consultant today. Apparently, he is not actually a lawyer but a "subject matter expert" dealing with timeshare. He specifically said that there was a free consultation concerning the case - which doesn't mean that I won't wind up being charged for his time yesterday and today, since he is not a lawyer for me to consult with, if they decide to take on the case and I decide to hire them to do so. But I will definitely keep that in mind. I actually hope that 1) it won't be necessary, and 2) that they will handle it for a flat fee. I feel reasonably confident that if they opt to take my case that the company will cancel the contract. Granted, this is based on the senior consultant conversation, but he said that the reason he is employed is to screen out cases that probably won't be winnable. That way, the success rate of the law firm stays high - they only represent cases they can win. Kind of an artificial high number if you ask me, but does mean that if they decide to take it up my chances for success are very good.

What time share company is this....with you saying MO makes me wonder if it's BlueGreen which we have considered wanting to buy into down the road...but I don't like headaches or hassles at all.

Diamond Resorts International. I have done a couple of presentations with BueGreen, and I like them a lot. I also really enjoyed my stay with them a couple of weeks ago in Orlando (you did read my TR, right? And saw the pics of the room and the grounds? Wonderful place!!!) I will say that I don't own at BlueGreen, I stayed there on an exchange, but in the much more limited dealings I have had, they are a much better company.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

So the debt dumping plan has changed a little.

A tire on DH's car got a bulge in the side wall, so the two front tires now need to be replaced. This is going to cost about $370. And this is the second repair to this car in the last 6 months, which is frustrating to me mostly DH doesn't actually own this car. It is a 2003 Acura and titled to his parents. He used it during college, when he started working and he brought it with him to the States when we got married. I never loved the idea that the car isn't his and don't like putting money into repairing something that we don't own, especially since the car is older and is starting to need more maintenance. We planned to buy DH a car later this year, after he got a job and then return his parent's car to them so that his younger brother could have it.

Well, DH and I went to test drive some cars last week, just to get an idea of what he liked. He wants a wagon, so we went to Subaru and VW. He hated the Subaru, mostly because of the interior finish and the CVT. But DH really loved the VW Golf Sportwagen, so were going to keep that in mind for later in the season when the deals were better. But then we learned that they just came out with a new Limited Edition trim level, which includes all of the features of the mid-range model plus the driver assist package from the high-range model all for less $4k less than the mid-range model costs. It seems like an insanely good deal for what we are getting. And the dealer is getting in the exact exterior color and interior trim that DH wants, so we decided to pull the trigger on the new car. It is currently in transit and will be at the dealer in a week or two.

So I decided to use my emergency fund that I had saved earlier this year to pay off a huge chunk of my credit card so that my credit utilization would drop down before I applied for the auto loan. I estimate that I can pay back the emergency fund over the next 2-3 months and still be on track, if not ahead, for my debt dumping plan. This will also be a good opportunity for DH to build his credit score here in the States. I ordered a FICO score today and it says he has a 718 score, so I don't think adding him to the loan will hurt our potential interest payments, but it will continue to strengthen his score and length of credit history.

None of this would have been possible without my new raise at work, which takes effect with my next paycheck at the end of the month. It pretty much covers the car payments until DH finds a job. Then he can pick up the car payments and dedicate all of his other earnings towards his student loans until they are paid off.

I think we will be in very good shape going forward, even with this change. And DH will have a new car that he loves.

 

[momtosam]

Which Orlando resort does Blugreen have?

Good point. I talked to the senior consultant today. Apparently, he is not actually a lawyer but a "subject matter expert" dealing with timeshare. He specifically said that there was a free consultation concerning the case - which doesn't mean that I won't wind up being charged for his time yesterday and today, since he is not a lawyer for me to consult with, if they decide to take on the case and I decide to hire them to do so. But I will definitely keep that in mind. I actually hope that 1) it won't be necessary, and 2) that they will handle it for a flat fee. I feel reasonably confident that if they opt to take my case that the company will cancel the contract. Granted, this is based on the senior consultant conversation, but he said that the reason he is employed is to screen out cases that probably won't be winnable. That way, the success rate of the law firm stays high - they only represent cases they can win. Kind of an artificial high number if you ask me, but does mean that if they decide to take it up my chances for success are very good.



Diamond Resorts International. I have done a couple of presentations with BueGreen, and I like them a lot. I also really enjoyed my stay with them a couple of weeks ago in Orlando (you did read my TR, right? And saw the pics of the room and the grounds? Wonderful place!!!) I will say that I don't own at BlueGreen, I stayed there on an exchange, but in the much more limited dealings I have had, they are a much better company.

 

[scdak]

I wish I could say my debt dumping has been going well this month but I have had a few expenses that were more than I thought they would be - could I have spent less..............probably, would I have been happy spending less...........Nope, its for a baby shower for my niece! Plus a night at a hotel to see relatives from the West Coast I hadn't seen in 15 years but I had a great time! I will buckle down again and get back on track, plus my tax refunds will be in my account by next Monday and Wednesday so that can pay on the CC bills I know one thing, my refunds are pathetic now compared to 1993 when I bought my house but I don't owe the government so I am happy!

 

[DisneyMandC]

So the debt dumbing plan has changed a little.

A tire on DH's car got a bulge in the side wall, so the two front tires now need to be replaced. This is going to cost about $370. And this is the second repair to this car in the last 6 months, which is frustrating to me mostly DH doesn't actually own this car. It is a 2003 Acura and titled to his parents. He used it during college, when he started working and he brought it with him to the States when we got married. I never loved the idea that the car isn't his and don't like putting money into repairing something that we don't own, especially since the car is older and is starting to need more maintenance. We planned to buy DH a car later this year, after he got a job and then return his parent's car to them so that his younger brother could have it.

Well, DH and I went to test drive some cars last week, just to get an idea of what he liked. He wants a wagon, so we went to Subaru and VW. He hated the Subaru, mostly because of the interior finish and the CVT. But DH really loved the VW Golf Sportwagen, so were going to keep that in mind for later in the season when the deals were better. But then we learned that they just came out with a new Limited Edition trim level, which includes all of the features of the mid-range model plus the driver assist package from the high-range model all for less $4k less than the mid-range model costs. It seems like an insanely good deal for what we are getting. And the dealer is getting in the exact exterior color and interior trim that DH wants, so we decided to pull the trigger on the new car. It is currently in transit and will be at the dealer in a week or two.

So I decided to use my emergency fund that I had saved earlier this year to pay off a huge chunk of my credit card so that my credit utilization would drop down before I applied for the auto loan. I estimate that I can pay back the emergency fund over the next 2-3 months and still be on track, if not ahead, for my debt dumping plan. This will also be a good opportunity for DH to build his credit score here in the States. I ordered a FICO score today and it says he has a 718 score, so I don't think adding him to the loan will hurt our potential interest payments, but it will continue to strengthen his score and length of credit history.

None of this would have been possible without my new raise at work, which takes effect with my next paycheck at the end of the month. It pretty much covers the car payments until DH finds a job. Then he can pick up the car payments and dedicate all of his other earnings towards his student loans until they are paid off.

I think we will be in very good shape going forward, even with this change. And DH will have a new car that he loves.

Congrats on the new car! Ugh, we have to put tires on DH's car, potentially this weekend. Really not looking forward to that.

 

[bcwife76]

@Jen and Ashwin congrats on the new car! Sounds like you're still going to be ok with your debt dumping and other financial goals even with the new car payment so that is great!
My dh wants to buy the new Tesla 3 they unveiled last week, begged me to put down $1,000. Sorry buddy but $40,000 for a 'commuter car' is NOT going to happen. I'm a mean wife, yes.

Meanwhile my car still needs new tires, will really have to replace them within the next 3 months or so. Bleck.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

@Jen and Ashwin congrats on the new car! Sounds like you're still going to be ok with your debt dumping and other financial goals even with the new car payment so that is great!
My dh wants to buy the new Tesla 3 they unveiled last week, begged me to put down $1,000. Sorry buddy but $40,000 for a 'commuter car' is NOT going to happen. I'm a mean wife, yes.

Meanwhile my car still needs new tires, will really have to replace them within the next 3 months or so. Bleck.

Yeah, I wouldn't pay that for the Tesla either. I think the technology still has a ways to go and the thought that I couldn't use the car for longer trips makes it less worth the cost. DH had the same feeling as me.

But hey, lots of people disagree. They are probably not going to be able to ship out all of the preorders they got this week for years.

 

[bcwife76]

Yeah, I wouldn't pay that for the Tesla either. I think the technology still has a ways to go and the thought that I couldn't use the car for longer trips makes it less worth the cost. DH had the same feeling as me.

But hey, lots of people disagree. They are probably not going to be able to ship out all of the preorders they got this week for years.

I could agree with you more on ALL points!!!

 

[dayvewc]

Ok, so I thought about putting this in my previous reply, but then decided to just make it a separate post.

I had a message on my answering machine from the Quality Assurance Manager yesterday. Didn't listen to it until almost bedtime, but then I didn't get home from work until after the work day had ended. She wanted to talk to me, and asked that I call her back. So, I tried to call this morning a couple of times. No answer, and I did not leave a message (and yes, I am including both facts in my list of problems.)

Then, this afternoon, I got the call from the lawyer company. The guy I was talking to is actually the "senior consultant" - not a lawyer. He is there as a subject matter specialist concerning timeshares. He did say that part of his job was to screen people who called, because the company only accepted cases they felt they could win. And, he said that he would present my case to the lawyers, and I had the impression that he thought it was a winnable case. He is supposed to call me back either tonight or tomorrow and let me know how they decide. (Also in the list)

I then tried to call the QA Manager again, and this time left a message stating that I was returning her call, and would like for her to contact me. (And again, this is in my list)

When I got home (didn't work today due to a doctor's appointment) it was earlier than normal, but I FINALLY had a copy of my contract in the mailbox. So, the first thing I did was to find the page that gave the address if you change your mind, and sent them a letter AND a fax stating that I would like to cancel my contract. I even cited the Arkansas state law (and specified that I did so as it was my state of residence) that states the contract can be canceled until receipt of the "public offering statement" - which is pretty much the contract, and included (again) the fact that the copy I received today was the first copy I had ever received and I had attempted to cancel the contract previously by phone and email but did not have the information of who to contact, or where to send my notice. Even got it into the mail, return receipt requested, before the post office closed. Made it there with 15 minutes to spare. (And yep, I wrote all this into my list.)

Then, I tried to call the QA Manager again, and she was still not available, so I left a message that I had attempted several times today to call her, and would instead wait for her to contact me. I even (and this might be a small mistake) gave her my cell phone number as a better contact number.

 

[DnA2010]

@Jen and Ashwin congrats on the new car! Sounds like you're still going to be ok with your debt dumping and other financial goals even with the new car payment so that is great!
My dh wants to buy the new Tesla 3 they unveiled last week, begged me to put down $1,000. Sorry buddy but $40,000 for a 'commuter car' is NOT going to happen. I'm a mean wife, yes.

Meanwhile my car still needs new tires, will really have to replace them within the next 3 months or so. Bleck.

Mine too! Husbands! While it makes sense in some ways as I have a long commute, I also agree on the technology front!

My emergency/maternity leave savings has been pillaged early as we got a new car today too! We were planning for this, so not really stealing from. Well new to us, no new new car yet. DHs car has been dying a slow death (it has over 600,000km) and so DH has been watching kijiji for a suitable replacement- well one came up, great price and new sets of summer and winter tires! Still a Honda CRV, just 13 years newer with 480,000 less km DH was starting to stress about the old one dying and him stuck on the side of the road with a baby

 

[dayvewc]

Which Orlando resort does Blugreen have?

The one I stayed at was the "Orlando Sunshine Resort - Phase II". I'm guessing there is also a Phase I. I also toured "The Fountains" which was an awesome resort. They might have more, but those are the 2 I know of.

 

[OhMari]

@Jen and Ashwin congrats on the new car! Sounds like you're still going to be ok with your debt dumping and other financial goals even with the new car payment so that is great!
My dh wants to buy the new Tesla 3 they unveiled last week, begged me to put down $1,000. Sorry buddy but $40,000 for a 'commuter car' is NOT going to happen. I'm a mean wife, yes.

Meanwhile my car still needs new tires, will really have to replace them within the next 3 months or so. Bleck.

What is with men, my dh wanted one too.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Mine too! Husbands! While it makes sense in some ways as I have a long commute, I also agree on the technology front!

My emergency/maternity leave savings has been pillaged early as we got a new car today too! We were planning for this, so not really stealing from. Well new to us, no new new car yet. DHs car has been dying a slow death (it has over 600,000km) and so DH has been watching kijiji for a suitable replacement- well one came up, great price and new sets of summer and winter tires! Still a Honda CRV, just 13 years newer with 480,000 less km DH was starting to stress about the old one dying and him stuck on the side of the road with a baby

Well, it sounds this was a much needed upgrade. I agree with the stuck on the side of the road with a baby sentiment. Plus, the new car probably has much updated safety equipment, which is also important with a new baby. The car DH currently has is only at 230,000 km so it still has a lot of life left in it. I am sure his brother will appreciate getting the chance to use it now.

The hardest part of getting his new car will be looking at everything in miles and not km now.

 

[DnA2010]

Well, it sounds this was a much needed upgrade. I agree with the stuck on the side of the road with a baby sentiment. Plus, the new car probably has much updated safety equipment, which is also important with a new baby. The car DH currently has is only at 230,000 km so it still has a lot of life left in it. I am sure his brother will appreciate getting the chance to use it now.

The hardest part of getting his new car will be looking at everything in miles and not km now.

Oh if it's an Acura I bet it has lots to give still!
We loved those VW wagons when we looked at cars a couple of years ago- they are such a nice size! We ended up with a Hyundai (ours is classified as a wagon, I don't think they make it anymore) as it was half the price, but those wagons are fab, did you get a diesel?

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Oh if it's an Acura I bet it has lots to give still!
We loved those VW wagons when we looked at cars a couple of years ago- they are such a nice size! We ended up with a Hyundai (ours is classified as a wagon, I don't think they make it anymore) as it was half the price, but those wagons are fab, did you get a diesel?

Dh just loves this wagon. He refused to look at any SUV because he likes he feel of a sedan, but we want more flexibility for this car, especially since we are hoping to start a family soon. We are thinking ahead to car seats and safety features. The Limited Edition only comes in the gas model, but we were planning for a gas car anyways given the diesel issues that VW has had recently. This car was so nice to drive when we went for the test drive on Saturday. There aren't many companies that make true wagons anymore. We drove at Subaru, but DH didn't like those. And the Audi and Volvo wagons are insane, price wise.

Here is the car we are getting: http://www.vw.com/models/golf-sportwagen/trims/2016/2016-le-trim/

We were able to talk another couple thousand off the MSRP, which I think makes this car a steal. DH is getting it in Night metallic blue with the black interior, which was his dream list for colors. We just lucked out that the dealer has one incoming this month.

 

[MrsTurnerLovesDisney]

Good point. I talked to the senior consultant today. Apparently, he is not actually a lawyer but a "subject matter expert" dealing with timeshare. He specifically said that there was a free consultation concerning the case - which doesn't mean that I won't wind up being charged for his time yesterday and today, since he is not a lawyer for me to consult with, if they decide to take on the case and I decide to hire them to do so. But I will definitely keep that in mind. I actually hope that 1) it won't be necessary, and 2) that they will handle it for a flat fee. I feel reasonably confident that if they opt to take my case that the company will cancel the contract. Granted, this is based on the senior consultant conversation, but he said that the reason he is employed is to screen out cases that probably won't be winnable. That way, the success rate of the law firm stays high - they only represent cases they can win. Kind of an artificial high number if you ask me, but does mean that if they decide to take it up my chances for success are very good.



Diamond Resorts International. I have done a couple of presentations with BueGreen, and I like them a lot. I also really enjoyed my stay with them a couple of weeks ago in Orlando (you did read my TR, right? And saw the pics of the room and the grounds? Wonderful place!!!) I will say that I don't own at BlueGreen, I stayed there on an exchange, but in the much more limited dealings I have had, they are a much better company.

Actually yes I did see the trip report & it did look like a nice resort! Good to know that BlueGreen seems on the up and up! But my DH is always trying to sign up at those stupid kiosks in the mall where you "win a free vacation" I'm like NO WALK AWAY! Good luck with the rest of this mess hopefully you can get it resolved sooner than later.